Inviting friends and family to the UK
Find out how to invite family members or friends to visit you in the UK.
You might like to invite family members or friends to visit you in the UK. Due to changes in the visa application processes for visitors, some nationalities may be able to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), but others may need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa.
Find out which process applies on the UK government website.
Applying for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Full information about how to apply is available on the gov.uk website and this video. You’ll need the passport you will use to travel to the UK, access to your emails, and a device to download the app and take or upload a photo. The application costs £10.
If you have previously been refused entry to the UK, breached conditions of your UK visa or if you have any unspent convictions, you may need to consider applying for a visa instead. The ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK – you will either need to pass through eGates or speak to a border officer
After you Apply
You should receive a decision within 3 working days of making the application. We recommend that you apply early to avoid any disruption to your travel plans. If your application is not successful, please contact the International Student Support Service for further advice.
Applying for Entry Clearance (Standard Visitor Visa)
Your visitor should find out about the visa application process.
Your visitor must provide certain documents in support of their application. The information below gives an outline of which documents they'll need. You can also see a full and comprehensive list of supporting documents here.
Documents your guests will need to provide
- The online application form for Standard Visitors.
- Passport.
- The correct fee — £115 in local currency.
- Bank statements or payslips to show your visitor can pay for the trip. They must have enough money to support themselves without working or getting public funds.
- Evidence of their current employment or studies, if they're working or studying.
- Evidence that they intend to leave the UK at the end of their visit. This could be a letter from their employer confirming they have a job to return to, for example.
Documents you need to provide
- Your original confirmation of enrolment letter from your School Administrative Office. This confirms the dates of your course and the expected date of your graduation ceremony.
- A letter from you addressed to the embassy in question. The letter must:
- formally invite your friend or relative to stay
- confirm you'd like your friend or relative to visit you in Nottingham
- include the dates you'd like them to arrive and leave
- mention they'll be staying in your student accommodation, if that's what they're going to do
- mention you'll provide for them financially, if that's what you're going to do.
- Three months' UK bank statements if you'll be financially supporting your visitor during their stay.
- A photocopy of your passport, showing your personal details.
- A photocopy of your current UK visa and your biometric residence permit (BRP).
Additional documents for guests attending your graduation ceremony
Your relatives or friends may be coming to the UK to attend your graduation ceremony. If you've bought tickets for them, you can email Academic Registry to ask for a letter.